My father’s parents were always such an interesting and fun couple. They loved African violets, dogs – they had dachshunds then pugs, cars and cooking. They also had quite the international flair, having lived in both Spain and India with my grandfathers engineering job. My sister and I loved hearing stories about their daily adventures in both places. It gave us a worldly view early on in life. A real bonus for a young person, then and now.

My grandmother loved to cook and I would look forward to meals at their house. She was also a mean baker and would whip up the most wonderful desserts. Family, friends and neighbors, and of course their fellow church members loved her chess cake, pralines and one of my faves, her pot de crème. If we weren’t getting pot de crème, her truffles also ticked all the yummy boxes, rich, chocolaty, homemade and downright delicious.

Today I’m sharing her recipe with you, exactly as it’s written, in pencil mind you, on the lined index card she placed in the recipe box she gave me shortly after I got married in 1991. Total side note: because I am ever the researcher – it’s a big part of being a writer – and because I inherited the detective gene from my Mum – I looked up the company stamped on the bottom of the recipe box, Syndicate Mfg. Co. – design copyrighted, btw, to find that various designs are selling on Etsy. The one I have is the strawberry design and my sister has the one above it.

Now that you have eye balled this recipe, exactly as it’s written, you clearly understand why I keep emphasizing exactly as it’s written, right?No one in their right mind uses margarine anymore (is margarine still available in stores??) and instant cocoa mix is not something I would think to roll truffles in but I have tried and it and, really, it’s delightful. Eagle Brand milk is sweetened condensed milk, which give the truffle a richness and heavenly body you won’t get without it. I’ve made these truffles using coconut oil (2 tablespoons) and real butter, each variation is super tasty! I’ve experimented with lots of options in which to roll the balls as well. Finely chopped dried cherries and toasted hemp seeds – separately – not both on one ball – are unique and provide great flavor and texture. I also mix ground Vietnamese cinnamon and a little powdered sugar together and roll away. There are endless options. Here’s a parting tip: these are SUPER DUPER with the brandy.

If you remember them at all, and aren’t a regular CNBC watcher, you probably remember the Winklevoss twins, Tyler and Cameron, for their role in the whole Facebook saga, suing Mark Zuckerberg in 2004 claiming he stole their brilliant idea. Well the guys won a huge payout, I mean HUUUUUUGE, and because they are entrepreneurs (i.e. risk takers) and are tech savvy, to put it mildly, they took a chunk of their millions (roughly 11) and bought Bitcoin in 2013.

If I’ve lost you and you don’t know what Bitcoin is, it’s a cryptocurrency. Get the details here.

Last year, as the popularity of cryptocurrencies grew and more cryptocurrency options hit the market, including Ripple(XRP), Ethereum(ETH) and Litecoin(LTCUSD), the Winklevoss boys were denied the manifestation of their proposed bitcoin based ETF (exchange- traded fund) by the SEC for the second time, begging the question: is a cryptocurrency based ETF really in our future?

Enter Bakkt, a company that includes Starbucks, Intercontinental Exchange and Microsoft, plus others, is centered around consumer use of crypto currency and will, yes, allow you to use bitcoin to pay for your daily coffee habit. With a goal of being up and running by November, Bakkt looks to let institutions and consumers, buy, sell, spend and store on their new cryptocurrency platform.

Brain Kelly, lovingly known as BK or Beeks, founder of BK Capital Management and a regular on CNBC, suggests a brand as big as Starbuck partnering with a major exchange could represent a history making development in the future of a cryptocurrency ETF, as it offers a US based regulated and licensed option for warehousing of assets.

I trust Beeks to get this right, as he’s long been a bitcoin enthusiast and really knows the ins and outs of the cryptocurrency markets. I’m an active investor always looking for the next big score to fund my retirement. I’m guessing Tyler and Cameron are just looking for the next big thing, as is the life force of an entrepreneur. Onward and upward, fellas.

For me, new beauty offerings always bring on a particular excitement, and I take comfort in knowing there will always be new wares to sample as each season of each year kicks off. Check out a few of the freshest makeup items available to perk up your face – and your makeup drawer.

Charlotte Tilbury Light Wonder Foundation

You can learn a lot about a person by what they want to do when they travel. I love a trip to NYC around Christmastime. I adore all the lights and the bustling streets, Trouble’s Trust bar at the New York Palace Hotel and the infectious over top fab-ness of NY in general, but my top reason for visiting is to hit up Bergdorf Goodman and shop in person for Charlotte Tilbury makeup. The feeling I get when I step off the escalator on the Beauty floor at Bergdorf’s is truly unmatched. My heart rate quickens with anticipation as I sashay over to the CT area, quickly surveying the full contents in one fell swoop, then laboring slowly over each, and, every, single, makeup, item, as my darling husband waits patiently, probably wishing for a cocktail. Yes, you can surely get Charlotte’s wares online and thank you Al Gore for inventing the internet so that is possible. (I joke, people.) But for my money I wait until I can see it all in person at Bergdorf’s.

Because she is our cosmetic fairy godmother, Charlotte listened to fans and is adding two new shades of her award-winning celebrity favorite Light Wonder Foundation. A light-as-air and breathable formula delivers just the perfect amount of coverage and leaves skin looking flawless – illuminated, smoother and more hydrated with every single use.

Light Wonder – launching in 2 new shades for $46 USD at www.charlottetilbury.com and launching worldwide September 6th, 2018.

Linda Wells Flesh Makeup Line

I’ve been a subscriber of Allure magazine since its inception, when Wells was editor of this then stellar (IMHO) publication known as ‘the beauty expert.’ In 2015 Wells was replaced by Michele Lee, who I’m sure is just a very wonderful gal but produces a mag I find really isn’t my cup of tea. I’ve noticed the size of the publication seems to be dwindling, meaning fewer articles and fewer advertisers, too. It’s become clear to me that I am no longer the Allure demographic. Which is totally fine, btw! Design is about progress, whether it is a magazine, a makeup line or your living room.

I’ll use this opportunity to share that I continually find myself looking for thebeauty publication I think suits the interests and educational needs of myself and my friends (and my Mum). Bazaar is great some months and others, frankly, it’s a complete disappointment. New Beauty is my favorite for product information and has THE BEST articles on the newest makeup, skincare and health/wellness information – which I love – but the truth is I wish they had a separate publication for all the injection and cosmetic surgery information and ads, which do not interest me at all. I would much rather see more unique makeup and skin related products, the latest in nutritional news or coverage of fabulous spas to visit on vacation on those pages. Just my two cents, as both a journalist and beauty lover. PORTER was wonderful at first. I actually told people they managed to reinvent the fashion/beauty magazine. In the second year they lost me. Go figure.

Anyway, the super smart and gorgeous Wells now finds herself chief creative officer of Revlon and fulfiller of her own long time dream of creating her own makeup line. It’s got something for everyone and encompasses both meek and bold colors depending on what your horoscope suggests you should wear that day. I do love a good horoscope. Susan Miller has a real gift.

Flesh Beauty has 12 products and 96 shades. It’s available at Ulta stores and Ulta.com.

Veil Cosmetics AutoMatte

A multitasker is gift that keeps on giving and the genius packed into the latest product from Veil Cosmetics will charm you from the get go. Yes. I said get go. What about it?

AutoMatte comes in one universal shade and works on every skin tone and type. This ultra-fine, non-drying, magical mattifier is at once powderless and powerful. It’s 100% vegan and cruelty-free weightless formulation creates a breathable veil of soft-focus perfection, leaving skin looking naturally smooth and flawless. In addition to a base or a touch up, it can be used to achieve the perfect matte look on your lips. Try dusting it on after applying balm, to smooth out the surface of your lips before adding color. Or use it over your eyelids as a primer to help eye shadow last longer and appear brighter.

Another feather in AutoMatte’s cap is its Super HD finish. It’s truly imperceptible in person and on camera. Rejoice, as you’ll get zero flashback. This is super important for all you gorgeous social media buffs! Bring on the photos ops, because Sebastien Tardif,the mastermind of Veil Cosmetics and internationally acclaimed makeup artist, totally has your back. And naturally, your stunningly beautiful AutoMatte face.

The search begins for junior builders to compete in the Mini Brick Factor, a LEGO® building competition

By Laura Carson Miller

Calling all junior LEGO® fans! LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Atlanta invites mini builders to participate in Mini Brick Factor for a chance to join the 2018 Creative Crew and work alongside Master Model Builder, Professor Rod. Kids between the ages of five and 12 will be able to compete the fierce competition on Sunday, July 29 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Registration for the event is open through Wednesday, July 25 at 11:59 p.m. All successful Creative Crew members will receive a FREE Annual Pass for the member.

The Creative Crew is a team of 12 talented junior builders who will assist the master model builder throughout the year by creating special structures for events and learning different building techniques. In addition to gaining behind the scenes insights and building tips and tricks, the Creative Crew acts as spokespeople to fellow junior builders.

To show their brick-tastic building skills, the competitors will enter in two timed heats where they will be given challenges that test their imagination, creativity and architect skills. The top twelve builders will earn the title of Mini Master Model Builders and endless LEGO® glory!

For some people the kitchen is a place where lot of hours are logged, happily or not, and for others it’s merely a place where coffee is made in the morning and takeout dished onto (throw away) plates at night. Either way, kitchens are big sellers when purchasing a house, condo or townhouse and can make or break a decision to rent a particular apartment.

As with all things style and trend, common interior design themes ebb and flow with the times, often going in and out and coming back again before the owner chooses to renovate a space.

I recently completed an interior design class on kitchen design and décor, and as usual, I constantly have my nose tucked in all manner of design magazines, so let’s talk about the top 3 hot trends in kitchen design.

1. Subway tile

While white is the most common and considered the best bet for resale, I’ve seen every color from turquoise to coral used in backsplash designs and on island tabletops. Spice up your subway tile by using various grout colors and pattern options if you want something more unique. Laying the tile in a vertical pattern for a backsplash instead of the more oft used running bond is an easy way to offer a dose of interesting kitchen eye candy without freaking people out.

2. Creative hardware

These days not only is the mixing and matching of kitchen hardware acceptable, it’s practically encouraged. Years ago the mixing of metals in hardware, such as brushed nickel faucets with gold drawer pulls, was greatly frowned upon. Not so in the current design climate. If mixing of metals is still crossing a line in your mind, using the same metal but different drawer knob and cabinet door pull designs can show your creativity while still offering a unified look. For a very eclectic look, choose knobs and pulls from Anthropologie, World Market or Pottery Barn. You can easily mix solids, florals and patterns, just keep one common color going throughout. You can even mix patterned or floral choices with solid metal for a looked customized by you!

3. Kitchens in disguise

Somewhere, somehow, someone decided it would be delightful to attempt to disguise the kitchen by covering all the appliances with paneled fronts to match the cabinets. Personally I’ve never understood why it’s undesirable to see a dishwasher or refrigerator in a kitchen. I actually like walking into my kitchen to be greeted by those items, as it’s what the room is used for, right? I’m not trying to act like this isn’t the kitchen, but to each their own, of course! The newest kitchens sometimes have armoire type custom built units to hide everything from the pantry to the microwave, mixer, toaster and or blender. The instructor of my interior design classes says she designs every new kitchen with an end cabinet that serves as a hidden charging station for phones, tablets and what not, often above a small built in desk area.

I find it interesting that depending upon the people living in a space, the kitchen can be a swirling hub of activity or a place seldom graced by human touch. My interior design class instructor said she recently designed a very expensive and high-tech kitchen for a client who absolutely does not cook. The kitchen was designed with resale in mind, and for ease of function when caterers come in for parties or large dinners.

If you want to renovate your existing kitchen, are designing a completely new build or if you’re just looking to switch out your tired old drawer knobs for something from the twenty first century, this information will certainly help get your creative juices flowing. It is about kitchens after all.

Times have certainly changed since the swinging’ ‘70’s when swapping partners was a trendy thing to try. I just read that that swinging actually started with US Fighter pilots in World War II. They could afford to move their super model caliber wives near the base and as they experienced a high fatality rate, non-monogamy between the pilots and other pilots wives became acceptable. Over the years this behavior spread to the suburbs, where the term ‘wife swapping’ was adjusted to ‘swinging’. Well, who knows if any of that is accurate but it makes for a juicy opening to this story.

These days plants swaps are where it’s at, so to speak, and cities like Chicago, Pasadena, Toronto and Brooklyn are getting in on the act. House plants have suddenly become popular again as interior accessories, which I find sort of eye roll inducing as I’ve been surrounded by plants indoors and out since I was born. Catalogs want to sell you fake plants – succulents are big or any number of moss covered thingies and even a giant faux boxwood tree to grace the inside of your abode. (Side note: aren’t fake plants supposed to induce bad feng shui??)

Coffee shops, plant stores and even private homes host plant swap gatherings, often advertized through, you guessed it, social media. Participants take great pride in bringing certain rare plant cuttings to be swapped and they can certainly be choosy about what they get in return for exceptional offerings. If you’re looking to get some new plants into your living space search the hash tags #plantswap or #houseplantswap. These plant exchanges are probably happening right under your nose!

I often plant swap with my parents, sister and my friend Joe. I’ve passed on cuttings to many friends and it thrills me to receive photos and hear stories of their thriving adoptees. Plant swapping is a great way to fill your home with plants at low or no cost. Plants help filter the air and are lovely to look at and nurture. A room filled with plants is cozy and inviting. If you have small children and/or animals just make sure your houseplants are child/pet friendly. You want your plants to be loved and appreciated and that can be easily accomplished from the high shelf of a bookcase or in a cool wall planter far out of reach of curious housemates.

It’s the time of year when we are getting together often, as summertime easily lends itself to weekend visits to see relatives or week long beach house rentals with good friends. No matter how you slice it, when traveling, especially if a wonderfully nice person invited you and is putting you up, you want to arrive with a thoughtful gift for your hostess that will ensure she knows how much you appreciate her. One of my criteria for gift giving is that it gets used up and goes away, so the recipient does not worry about bringing out some object the next time I show up! Here are a few ideas that aren’t the same ‘ole same ‘ole and will endear you as not only as a well-mannered guest but just a super cool person to boot.

The scent of Lavender has always beckoned me since I was a little girl. And as a grown woman I indulge in it every single evening before bed. It’s calming, soothing, nurturing aroma can help take the edge off a bad day or a rough night. The handcrafted *BabyMama Lavender Body and Massage Oil from Mama Hand Made Bath & Body makes a great gift for your hostess as it can be used on any and all members of the family, regardless of age. It offers both soft, nourished skin and the amazing benefits of aromatherapy, all in one bottle.

If you’re like me and basically never met a cookie you didn’t love, prepare yourself for the greatness of *Byrd’s Famous Cookies from the darling town of Savannah, Georgia. There’s a good reason they’ve been selling cookies since 1924 and they have a variety of flavors to tickle your taste buds. My husband loves the Almond Shortbread and I can’t get enough of the Benne Wafer. If you show up for dinner or a weekend visit with some Byrd’s Famous Cookies, you’ll always be welcomed back with open arms! I recommend the Six Pack Bakery Bag Cookies Tray.

Are you visiting a white wine drinker? Surprise her with a bottle of Trimbach Pinot Blanc. I know Pinot Grigio and Pinot Gris are everywhere. That’s why you need to bring Pinot Blanc! (Here’s the difference, btw.) I was personally tiring of Pinot Grigio and ordered my first ever glass of Pinot Blanc while lunching al fresco at Bistro Niko with my pal Jessica last year. Now I am seeing it on more and more restaurant menus. You might also bring along a gift of a delightful White Pinot Noir, which was also a new one on me, first enjoyed at Horseradish Grill last month.

Wishing you safe and (extra fun) travels this summer!

*Full transparency:

The company or the public/media relations representative of the company provided a sample of the product. I write only about products and services in which I have a positive experience. This is not a forum where I discuss products I don’t like and why I don’t like them. Plenty of other people do that. If I’m writing about it I like it and want you to be in the know.

My husband and I do our fair share of eating out. Recently I noticed calorie counts on the menu at Taco Mac and The Palm. Obviously these restaurants couldn’t be more different, (we don’t discriminate), but both informed me of the calories of all my favorites including the Taco Mac Buffalo Chicken Taco at 453 per taco and The Palm Atlantic Salmon Filletat 790 per serving.

I made a frowny face at the sight of these numbers on what are normally very friendly and happy menus. I wondered why I was being forced to digest this information.

Turns out it’s the law.

Did you know that the showing calorie counts on menus is actually part of the Affordable Care Act? As of May 7, 2018, all restaurant chains with more than 20 locations must show calorie counts.

Because I am Pisces, the two fish swimming in different directions, my rational mind sees both of sides of this highly contested debate: yes or no on menus with tell all calorie information. I’m thinking it would be more fun and even more impactful – if the menus read like a tabloid – Cobb Salad – 700 Nightmare Calories!!!! Laura Miller is seen exiting through the back door of restaurant X after consuming BLOCKBUSTER calories from Pinot Blanc, veggie pizza and gelato in Atlanta!!!! DAYS TO LIVE!!!

I have to admit that while I usually get my own version of the Taco Mac Buffalo Chicken Taco that cuts down a bit on the calories, I was considering getting one the flatbreads until I saw the calorie count! I decided my calories would be better spent at a real pizza joint and went with my old standby, the tacos. It seems the pizza industry as a whole was very much against this calorie transparency and made its voice heard by lobbying against the implementation of this legislation. Imagine that.

And I’ll be honest, during my lovely meal at The Palm I did not enjoy seeing the numbers on the Half and Half, creamed spinach or their the salmon, as mentioned above.

Part of me doesn’t want to know all this when my aim is to go out and enjoy a delicious meal and a glass of wine (or two) at a restaurant. At Taco Mac and the like, I know I’m not there for health food and again, I’d prefer to be blissfully unaware. Let me live!

I do understand that we live in a society where obesity is a massive problem – no pun intended – and perhaps if people know how many calories they are consuming when they dine out it will help them to make better choices. Also the authors of this mandate hope it will put pressure on restaurants to offer more healthy fare.

What is your take? Do you want to be informed of the calories you’re ingesting when you go out for a meal? Or would you rather be in the dark and take your chances? I’d love to hear your thoughts via email at laura@lauracarsonmiller.comor on social media.

Follow me on Twitter and Instagram @LCMlifestyle

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Thu, 24 May 2018 17:51:29 +0000http://style.lauracarsonmiller.com/?p=1221Plants From Friends and Family: The Very Best Gifts

Much more meaningful than so much of the stuff out there…

By Laura Carson Miller

All who know me well know my love for flowers and plants. Our yard is filled with bushes and bulbs (and garden statues) from our grandparents and parents properties. Furthermore, our yard, happily, is not the cookie cutter yard with grass and seasonal flowerbeds that many of our neighbors opt to perpetuate. Frankly we have never understood paying someone to fertilize grass that you then pay that person or company (or in some cases an additional person or company) to mow and edge and manicure. My husband decided years ago he did not want to waste time mowing grass. We have ground cover (even some that others consider nuisance plants such as Bishop’s Weed, which has a lovely variegated leaf and while yes, it can be invasive, is beautiful in our landscape and we love it) mixed in with bushes and flowers that grow seasonally, such as iris, hosta, gardenia and azalea. Having a yard overflowing with plants and flowers from family and friends gives us great joy. Pulling weeds or dead heading flowers takes on a whole new perspective when you are nurturing a living wonder bestowed on you by someone you love. We are lucky enough to have the gift of propagation on our side and have given plants from cuttings to many a family member and friend over the years. My girlfriends particularly love my grandfathers’ gardenias. I feel his beating heart in each one I pass on.

For my March birthday this year I received two very special gifts. Both currently reside happily and healthily in pots on our back deck. One is from my sister and brother in law – a stunning Lady Laura camellia plant from a Louisiana nursery. The other is an Agapanthus given to me by one of my oldest and dearest friends. (The man who introduced me to my fabulous husband!!) I simply can’t wait for the first gorgeous flower to come forth on Lady Laura and I gently and patiently speak to my Agapanthus daily, assuring her we will be right here when she is ready to show us her first sprout.

Both of these plants will be with me until my dying day, continuing their splendor year after year. When it’s time for me to go they can be passed onto a loved one and so on and so on. This is the stuff that is meaningful to me. This is the stuff that creates bliss in my life. The right stuff in each and every way.

There are multiple reasons our sunroom holds the top spot in my heart for rooms in our house. Is it the super high white vaulted ceiling? Is it the exposed brick with cool arched niche my husband built with his own two hands? Is it the French doors all around he recovered from a restaurant at the corner of Piedmont and East Paces that was shutting down? (That he then installed himself. He’s beyond amazing, around the house and in general, btw!) It’s all of those and more.

So many things about our sunroom draw me in and don’t release their gleeful grip until it is just unbearable for me to be in it. It is not climate controlled so to speak. There is a ceiling fan and a window unit air conditioner that is old and loud and I am much happier without it running. Don’t care how hot it gets. When colder weather hits I move a heater out there as I use it as greenhouse type situation to winter over all my deck plants and flowers. As long as I can I will wrap up in a cozy throw and watch football in my fave room with a hot beverage. During warmer months I am in the sunroom all the time! On scorching hot Atlanta days, of which there are SO MANY, when returning from anywhere I go immediately to the sunroom and plop myself down on the Smith & Hawken furniture we bought when the store used to be on Peachtree Road near Peachtree Battle shopping center. Do you Atlantan’s remember that store? Well this furniture turned out to be a great investment. It takes a lickin’ and keeps on tickin’. Truly.

For more on sunrooms please click this link to an article I wrote for Freshome.com called Sunny Side In: Sunroom Design Trends and Tips. Lots of great photos to spur your imagination if you are looking to update your sunroom space or are thinking of building one on your existing structure. So many fun ways to make it the fave room in your house!